HSMAI Global to Develop New Asia Pacific Chapter

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. October 14, 2008

MCLEAN, VA, September 9, 2005. The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), the world's leading association providing information, networking opportunities and educational resources to the travel, tourism and hospitality industries, is expanding into a new market with the launch of an Asia Pacific chapter.

To spearhead that initiative, Christine Toguchi has been appointed by HSMAI Global as managing director, based in Singapore, to facilitate and drive the development of HSMAI membership and establish a chapter in the Asia Pacific region.

"Developing an Asia chapter for HSMAI was inevitable for our strategic planning," states Bruce J. Himelstein, CHME, global chair of HSMAI and senior vice-president, sales and marketing for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., LLC. "As global markets continue to value the increasing focus on Asia, we will participate in the vision and look forward in expanding our reach."

The value that chapters bring to a region are wide-reaching, ranging from educational and informational benefits to networking opportunities and overall unification of an industry for those engaged in the sales and marketing for hospitality, travel and tourism. Plans are underway to develop a chapter that will include:

Creation of a board of directors; Organization of educational programs; Development of special interest groups in Revenue Management, Internet Marketing and Resort Marketing; Creating networking opportunities; Establishing strategic relationships with other leading industry associations, organizations, or schools that will enhance and accelerate the position of the chapter in the market; Seeking opportunities to expand with additional chapters throughout the region.

Recognizing the huge potential of the burgeoning region, HSMAI is also taking its very successful strategy conferences on the road to Asia with the debut of Asia Connect, its inaugural conference for the Asia Pacific Region, on Oct. 19, 2005 at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore.

Asia Connect, themed "Defining a New Vision for Global Hospitality Sales and Marketing Professionals," will focus on fresh ideas, innovative thinking and competitive strategies required to equip today's global hospitality professional with critical skills to ensure future business success. Held in conjunction with Wired 2005 - Asia Travel Matrix, Asia Connect will feature dynamic speakers and panelists sharing their views on vital issues and trends shaping tourism and hospitality, including opportunities available through new technologies, distribution channels and tools to drive sales revenue and profitability.

Delegates will also have an opportunity to participate in special interest workshops and discussion groups on Revenue Management, Resort Management and Internet Distribution Marketing. The program will address key topics of greatest interest to both the property and corporate level hospitality professionals.

Delegate fees are US$195 for HSMAI members. For non-HSMAI members wishing to attend, there is an early registration fee of US$295 until Sept. 14. The non-member fee for registrations after Sept. 14 is US$395. Special rates are offered to delegates registering for both Asia Connect and Wired2005 - Asia Travel Matrix from US$645. Delegates paying the non-member registration fee will automatically receive a one-year membership in HSMAI.

For more information on HSMAI's Asia Pacific Chapter, contact Christine Toguchi at HSMAI Asia Pacific via e-mail at [email protected], phone (65) 6278 2401, or visit www.hsmaiasiaconnect.com.